Bringing Your Best

Bringing Your Best

Watching athletes in their prime is spectacular. When they have been injured and yet continue to perform at a high level through the pain, it is almost miraculous. There is something special about seeing them at their best.

Do you remember when you had the most satisfaction in your work? How about in your relationships? Do you recall what it felt like to possess victory even after tremendous adversity? I bet you got a sense of real satisfaction after you brought your best to the table.

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” That’s great stewardship. President Roosevelt was challenging us to bring our best to each and every day of our lives.

In athletics, a coach will say, “Leave it all on the field” or “Give it everything you’ve got.” In the story of Cain and Abel, “Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift” (Genesis 4:4). Cain’s gift was rejected, but Abel’s was accepted because he brought his best. You see, God wants nothing less than our best.

So before you call that divorce attorney, give your marriage your best. Before you publish your résumé, give your work all you’ve got. Before you quit again on that weight-loss plan, take another step onto that treadmill. Bring your best and live with the satisfaction that you did what you could, where you were, with what you had.

Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift.

Genesis 4:4